ATHENS, Ohio (April 17, 2007) -- Ohio University will hold a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teaching workshop and dinner discussion for current and future teachers from 3:10 to 5 p.m. (workshop) and 5 to 6 p.m. (dinner) on Thursday, April 19, in Stocker Center 103 on the West Green. To register for the workshop, dinner discussion or both, contact Mark Lucas at lucasm@ohio.edu by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18.

Every aspect of modern life is affected by the technologies that transport, protect, interconnect and heal us. Despite this, a large segment of bright, skilled students drop out or never even consider majoring in engineering, math or science. Led by nationally recognized STEM researcher Sheila Tobias, this workshop will examine the STEM "disciplinary culture" that may limits some students' interest and access.

The workshop will use Tobias' "Peer Perspectives" program, in which professors in non-STEM fields are given a STEM lecture by a colleagues in order to provide feedback on lecture style and the concepts being presented. Ohio University faculty will assume the roles of STEM faculty and students, seeking to learn how STEM education can appeal to a broader student population.

Supported by the Ford, Rockefeller, and Sloan Foundations, Tobias is a nationally recognized consultant on college and university curricula, post-baccalaureate alternatives, professional master's degrees in science and mathematics, and women's studies. Educated in history and literature at Harvard/Radcliffe, she earned a master's in history and an M.Phil. at Columbia University and holds eight honorary doctorates.

Hosted by the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, the workshop is co-sponsored by Ohio University's Colleges of Education and Arts & Sciences, University College, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and the Center for Teaching Excellence.